Levein: I’d love to keep Naismith

Craig Levein has said that he would love to keep Steven Naismith at Hearts but admitted the Scotland striker could earn far more money abroad.

Both parties are in dialogue about a possible precontract agreement in January. Naismith is on loan from Norwich until the summer, when his contract in England expires and he will become a free agent.

“We have been in constant dialogue with Steven,” said Levein, the Hearts manager. “He is at the point of his career where he is going to have to make a big decision. He is really well respected by myself, by Ann Budge, the staff and the players.

“Steven has had a period at Norwich where he maybe never felt loved or had that feeling that he could help. He is a very generousspirited guy. He likes helping. It is in his nature.

“He is a lovely guy, he is generous with his time here and desperate to help out youngsters.

“I’d love to keep him here. The financial side is not a massive stumbling block. There are various options that could net him more money than he would get here and he knows that. He could go to Saudi Arabia for two years and earn fortunes.

“I think if you are in a good position it helps. Some players need to go

and chase the money. I would’ve thought Steven would have been sensible with his earnings over the years. It might be down to lifestyle and enjoying himself. I think he knows how we feel about him.”

Naismith, 32, spent five and a half years in England – with Everton and Norwich – before joining Hearts for an initial loan period in January 2018. He is close to returning to the Tynecastle side’s firstteam as he recovers from a knee injury sustained in the Betfred Cup semi-final against Celtic on 28 October.

Even although he has not played for almost seven weeks, he remains Hearts’ top scorer this season. His total of 11 goals comprises seven in ten league matches and four in six Betfred ties.